Album review: Tigers Jaw – I Won’t Care How You Remember Me

When it comes to longevity, consistency is key. Scranton punks Tigers Jaw are a fine example of this, now six albums deep into a career peppered with impressive records. Their latest, I Won’t Care How You Remember Me, is another strong addition to their repertoire, and an album which sees the quartet effortlessly blending scrappy punk with a more chilled-out, easy-on-the-ear indie-rock vibe.

They kick off with a mellow title-track that builds from a tender acoustic opening to a grand crescendo, where Brianna Collins’ jubilant keys swell and the guitars of Ben Walsh soar to a thunderous climax. They carry that effervescent energy into second song Cat’s Cradle, which is easily the most joyous punk ditty penned so far in 2021. They don’t hang about, though, and rattle through I Won’t Care How You Remember Me’s songs quickly, but despite the fast pace there’s still plenty of craft and charm to the likes of New Detroit, Lemon Mouth and Body Language.

Can’t Wait Forever is another gleeful winner, but the real highlight here is Commit. A groovy coming together of funk, indie and punk, Brianna’s breezy vocals skip across a musical backdrop that allows the band's rhythm section – bassist Colin Gorman and drummer Teddy Roberts – to shine. At just two-and-a-half minutes long, it’s over far too quick, but the sign of any good song is one that leaves you longing for more.

At times it feels like the band could let loose a little more, but such observations are minor quibbles when faced with a record as enjoyable as I Won’t Care How You Remember Me. An album packed with heart, soul and – despite its title - memorable songs, LP six is another gem from a band who rarely let you down.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Balance And Composure, Man Overboard, Paramore

I Won't Care How You Remember Me is released on March 5 via Hopeless

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